KINDERSLEY — Visitors to Kindersley’s 36th Annual Trade Show will be excited to stop by Glen Scrimshaw’s booth and check out his impressive artwork. “This is my 39th year,” Glen said. “Thirty-nine years ago I quit my job as a store manager and moved to Laronge to be an artist. Now, the fires in Laronge just tug at my heart.”
Glen moved to Saskatoon three years ago and will take the opportunity to drop in to visit his mom, who lives in a care home at Rosetown, while en route to Kindersley’s trade show on June 12th and 13th. “I’ve had a number of back surgeries and have had to slow down and do smaller shows,” he explained. He was at Kindersley’s trade show a few years ago and enjoyed it so much that he decided to come back again.
“I’m hoping to meet more people and introduce some of my newer stuff to people,” he said. He will be bringing many of his products, including unframed 8x10 matted art cards, as well as 2025 calendars, which he will be autographing. “I’m going to have some work no one’s ever seen before,” he added.
The work no one’s ever seen before includes Glen’s latest pursuit … painted rocks. “I’m working on a cheeseburger right now. It looks real-
ly good, but it’s a round rock,” he explained. “Maybe I’ll bring some rocks and paint while I’m there. I’m the kind of person who always has to be doing something.” He shared stories of his elementary school teacher commenting about a young Glen who would fill his margins with doodling. “When I first opened my art gallery, I would work and visit at the same time, and I used to play Scrabble and paint at the same time,” he said. He may have inherited his multi-tasking tendencies from his mother who he recalled would play 16 cards of bingo and crochet at the same time.
So don’t be surprised if you drop by Glen’s booth and witness him transforming rocks into works
of art while engaging in friendly visiting and sharing stories. Glen’s stories will warm your heart.
“When I first moved to Laronge in 1987, we bought a mobile home. I tried to let people know there’s a new artist in town, so I painted a mural in the front of our trailer, and that mural is still there,” he said. “After about eight years, I moved away, and I saw someone was advertising a 14x18 mural by Glen Scrimshaw that comes with a mobile home. I thought that was pretty cool.”
He reminisced about years ago when his youngest child was asked about his dad’s occupation and replied, “My dad sits at home, drinks coffee and colours all day.”
Glen’s professional
style of “colouring” has resulted in a following of collectors worldwide, numerous awards and generous donations of his artwork to so many worthwhile causes, that he’s lost track. “There’s been so many over the years. As far as the money we helped raise - it must be millions,” he acknowledged.
His passionate love of painting has become the secret to his success.
“To me, painting is like breathing. I try to paint every day. If I go four or five days without painting, something is weird,” he concluded.
Be sure to stop by Glen Scrimshaw’s booth at the Kindersley Trade Show and meet this friendly, multi-tasking artist and check out his incredible artwork.
Saskatchewan’s acclaimed artist, Glen Scrimshaw will be at Kindersley’s 36th annual Trade Show on June 12th and 13th.
“Timeless Memories” is Glen Scrimshaw’s newest release.
Glen’s latest pursuit is painting rocks. Warning: don’t bite into this hamburger.
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Kindersley resident provides accommodation for evacuees
BY JOAN JANZEN
KINDERSLEY - Krista Roberts and her boyfriend, along with their four pre-school-aged children, left LaRonge and arrived at Wolfe Den Inn & Suites in Kindersley on Tuesday, June 3rd. The family is extremely grateful for the help they received from owner, Terri Wolfe.
“I’m so thankful that she’s taking us in. If it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have any place to go,” Krista said. As the fires and winds increased, Krista began looking for a place to escape.
“I packed some clothes and the stroller, but was so rushed I forgot my two youngest’ shoes,” she said. The family spent a night at her mother-in-law’s, where they shared a room; however, one of her sons is autistic and requires his own bed, so their search continued.
The owner of Wolfe Den, Terri Wolfe, said, “My niece got word that she was evacuated. I realized from the numbers that were being evacuated it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to come here. So I put the word out.” Shortly afterwards, Krista responded to Terri’s Facebook post.
“We saw the Wolfe Den post and called. We had enough gas to get here,” the young mom explained. They headed out on the highway and, at one point, were wedged between two vehicles when a flame swept across the road.
“My tires got a little burnt,” she said. “I made my boyfriend drive because I was scared.”
“We got here and got a room right away. Terri got some food for us. We’re so thankful! I never thought I’d be in this situation.”
An Oddity in the Owl World: The Burrowing Owl’s Unique Nest
BY NATURE SASKATCHEWAN
After a long journey from the American Southwest and Mexico, Burrowing Owls have finally arrived at their summer home on the prairies. With breeding season well underway, the endangered owls are now pairing up and selecting their nests where they will soon be laying and incubating their eggs.
Burrowing Owls are generalists in terms of their habitat requirements, however, there are a few things that they need and prefer. They like areas of short, sparse vegetation, especially around their nest so they can easily see and detect predators, flat open grassland with a mosaic of grass heights, and, as their name tells us, an abundance of burrows.
Burrowing Owls rely on abandoned burrows made by burrowing mammals such as badgers and ground squirrels. Once a suitable burrow is found, the female will lay 6-12 eggs, with 9 being the average. Because there are thought to be as few as 270 breeding owls throughout Canada, the success of each nest is important to the survival and recovery of this species.
While most nests occur in grazed native or tame grassland pastures, they can also be found in cropland and along roadsides in the ditch. Grace Pidborchynski, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator at Nature Saskatchewan, explains why: “Agricultural fields, particularly in the spring when the fields are newly plowed and before crops grow tall, can draw owls in since they like short vegetation to de-
tect and capture prey”. Ditches can be acceptable foraging and nesting areas as they often have a mix of vegetation that attracts small mammals and insects for the owls to eat. “If there are burrows available, it’s possible that it could be used by Burrowing Owls”, says Pidborchynski. “So make sure to keep your eyes peeled and you might be lucky enough to spot one!”
Active burrows can be identified by the presence of droppings, or whitewash, at the burrow entrance, and pellets that were regurgitated by an owl made up of the indigestible bits of their diet such as fur, bones, feathers, and insect shells. If you discover an active burrow or Burrowing Owls on your land, do not fear! There are many advantages to having owls on your land, including free pest control. Burrowing Owls eat large amounts of small mammals such as mice and voles, and the young feed primarily on grasshoppers. In one summer, a family of Burrowing Owls can consume up to 7,000 grasshoppers and 1,800 rodents!
Nature Saskatchewan’s Operation Burrowing Owl records sightings of Burrowing Owls to help determine distribution and population trends across Saskatchewan. “Without the voluntary efforts of ranchers, farmers, and the general public, recovery of this unique little owl would not be possible”, says Pidborchynski. She encourages the public to report any sightings of a Burrowing Owl by calling 306-7809833 or email obo@naturesask.ca. Personal information is kept completely confidential and never shared without permission.
Krista Roberts, her boyfriend and four pre-school-aged children escaped the fires at their home in LaRonge and are sheltering at Wolfe Den Inn & Suites in Kindersley. On their drive out of LaRonge, Krista’s tires got a little burnt.
OPINION: Family is important
BY JOAN JANZEN
A woman smiled and said to her husband, “If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.” Meanwhile, a dad observed, “It’s all silent treatment from the kids until someone needs Wi-Fi passwords.”
Television host Dr. Phil McGraw recently brought up the topic of silent treatment. First of all, he noted there’s something in society that no one really talks about, but it’s happening everywhere.
Families from both present and past generations have experienced situations when members have set “no contact” boundaries.
One of Dr. Phil’s guests was a therapist who said, “I have an aunt that I never met because she was estranged in our family, and my mother didn’t speak to my grandmother. This isn’t just millennials; it’s just we’re the ones on social media talking about it.” The therapist admitted she hasn’t spoken to her own mother in seven years.
Social media is allowing access to these conversations, and Dr. Phil observed that people online are often cheering others on about toxic families and no contact. The corresponding comments made by people listening to the show are always interesting.
One woman posted, “I understand there are cases that are toxic, and disconnection is absolutely called for. But people these days really do take family
for granted. Family is far from perfect but they’re still important. It’s sad to me our society is forgetting that.”
Dr. Phil asked both family members who had “no contact” one question: “If you were going to ask for forgiveness for something you did, what would it be?” In multiple family scenarios, all parties Dr. Phil interviewed could not think of anything to be forgiven for, but instead directed the blame at each other.
Twenty-year-old Chloe Cole is a dynamic speaker who shares her own story and discusses mental health issues. At a public lecture on a college campus the young woman made a personal observation.
“I think there is a big generational gap between us and our older generation and the culture we grew up in. The culture that our mothers and fathers, and grandfathers grew up in is completely gone. There’s always a focus on I and me and individuality, but never in finding our identity and purpose in what we do for the people around us and others. In order to recover, we have to become ‘we-oriented.’ We have to start looking out for the people around us rather than constantly looking at ourselves and trying to find us. Because that does nothing if all you care about is
yourself,” Chloe said.
Dr. Phil said one of the things that is really important in relationships is for people to have insight into how they may have contaminated the relationship. “Otherwise, it’s really hard to begin a healing process,” he advised.
Once again, comments posted by everyday citizens are interesting. One person posted: “So many therapists want to insist that you must confront your parents about the ways that they failed. I’m glad I knew, despite my therapists’ insistence, that such a thing would have been an unbelievably bad idea.”
Another comment stated, “I am a counselor and you would not believe the amount of adult children that are walking away from their parents for absolutely no reason whatsoever. It’s mind-boggling to me. I really don’t understand what’s going on. The only thing that I can come up with is that this is from social media influencers that are convincing people that everybody is a narcissist and cut all of those people out of their lives.”
Chloe Cole speaks on behalf of her generation and the challenges they face. “We’re the first generation growing up with social media. A lot of older adults don’t understand what that’s like … especially growing up with what we’re being exposed to. We’re constantly looking for the next path,” she said. “I’m not saying it’s all because of technology. But we have to remember to
live our life.”
More corresponding comments addressed these issues. “Social media is not the place to get healing,” one person noted.
Another person wrote, “My mother is deceased, but looking back, therapy hurt me and killed our relationship.”
Scrolling through the posts, I found another observation: “Thankfully, there’s nothing my mom could do for me to turn my back on her and vice versa. She’s not perfect, but I have unconditional love for my mother.”
Comments like this one were abundant. “I fought with my mom all through my life. I didn’t like my family; they’re not perfect or even close. As I have aged, I’ve given them all grace because I was obnoxious when I was younger, so no one’s perfect. I have gotten closer to all my family and hoping it continues. Family is important.”
Family is important, including relationships beyond that of mother-daughter or mother-son. On a personal note, I had a bumpy relationship with my own mother, who has now passed. But I valued her more than any mistakes she made, and publicly sharing those mistakes was something I never considered.
Mother Theresa once said, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”
7:30 PM
Pop89:
Turn off your cell and bow your head
BY MADONNA HAMEL
The power was down for the whole day yesterday. My neighbour commented on the number of kids zipping past her house on their bikes. A group of teens were out on their horses. Myself, I devoured an entire book on the couch, sipping tea made on my camp stove and surrounded by candles. I didn’t check my cellphone once. The power failure gave us all a chance to do what we cannot seem to do without an interventionstep away from our devices.
It was nothing less than a gift from heaven.
We are constantly warned – in various ways by various writers, among them: Shoshana Zuboff, author “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” and Jaron Lanier, father of virtual reality and author of “You Are Not A Gadget”, and Nicole Aschoff’s “The Smartphone Society” - about the addictive nature and exploitive potential of our cell phones and devices. And we hear the warnings, but we love tweeting and taking pictures even more. Be it a chance encounter with a celebrity, or our lunch, our cell phones affirm what has meaning for us and allow us to share that meaning with the world, even believing the world is interested in our sandwich.
I suspect what we claim as meaningful has changed over the decades, in great part because of these handheld devices of ours. With their capacity to “capture” every moment of our lives, they “allow” us to elevate the mundane to the status of magnificent. And, in turn, we’ve become caught up in tweets and posts that lower the tone of civic life, degrading, denigrating and desecrating each other. We’ve reduced human beings from souls to things we “use” according to our immediate and often insatiable needs.
I have mentioned this often, but it bears repeating: There was a time when we humans referred to ourselves as “souls.” Over time, we’ve been called “citizens,” then “consumers” (also: “clients” and “customers”) and until today, we are referred to as “users.”
“And we like it.” Meaning that voyeurism and surveillance are actually welcome in a culture of exhibitionists. Which is what our cell phones have turned us into.
So how do we address a “user” culture full of increasingly harsh, lurid, disturbing and violent diatribe and imagery? How do we go from being a throwaway culture, bent on being served, to a tender-hearted culture, living lives of service? This may not be of interest to you, but to me, it’s the only topic there is. It is the crux of meaning, the point of being, the seed of a sane, spirit-filled, authentic, mysterious existence.
Whenever I mediate a moment with my camera, the camera, instead of the moment, gets all my attention. I need to dedicate my energies to keeping it in focus to frame the moment properly. I need to hold my hand steady, higher, closer etc. And I need the bozo in front of me to move! I am not in the moment I am recording; I am in the moment in the future when I’ll be able to show others the incredible moment I was almost present for!
The problem is that I can’t articulate to you what you missed by being more present for your camera than the moment. Such is the nature of presence. It is subtle, nuanced and almost imperceptible. The bond with the experience is intimate in its momentousness. When present we make ourselves available to a full-on conscious awareness. The mystics say the present is the only place you can meet God. Because “God’s joy,” as Pope Leo says, “is not loud.”
Draws will be held until Oct. 30, 2024
Draws will continue until Oct. 29, 2025
See our Facebook page for details
Lic. #LR23-0068 Everyone Welcome!
In “user” culture, we are both “used” and being “used.” But who cares? Once a user, the prerogative is “having,” not “caring.” As long as I get my product, I’m happy. So what if the company that gives me “free” data gets free data on me and my life and my family, my whereabouts, beliefs and opinions? For every pundit who points out: “If it’s free, you’re the product,” dozens more, maybe even most, people retort: “If it makes me happy, who cares?” Or, “if it means I get better service, I’m fine.” That is, as long as nobody in power gets the idea that they could access that data to, say, deport me, turn me away from the border, arrest me, etc. But that’s so unlikely.
Lic. #LR24-0086
Alcoholics Anonymous
Tuesday: Brock
8:00 PM, Vesper Club, 1st Avenue North
Tuesday: Leader AA Meeting
8:00 PM, Leader United Church, 1st St. W.
Wednesday: Eston AA Meeting
8 PM, St. Andrew’s United Church, 1st St. W.
Friday: Kindersley AA Meeting
8:00 PM, Lutheran Church, 807 - 3rd Ave. W.
This moment reminds me of the G8 Summit in Quebec City. I was covering it for CBC Radio. While trailing protesters and activists, and undercover cops, I came across a wall spray-painted with the warning: “Big Brother Is watching!” In my head, I responded:
My brother suggests that “sometimes we use a camera for that very reason - that we are afraid of the present moment. We’re afraid it will disappoint us. So we don’t dare. And in that way the camera,” he says, “is a kind of dark thief.” I tend to agree. But I don’t believe the camera steals the soul; I think it leaves it behind. Ironically, the more we feel the need to hold the camera up to prove to ourselves that we exist, the less present we are to ourselves and the moment. With our cellphone pocket computers we can check in on anyone around the world, except maybe our own inner stirrings. And we can take pictures in the most private of places and moments. Cell phones turn pilgrims into tourists, turn fleeting, sacred, transitional moments into spectacles, as in the case of those people taking selfies of themselves in front of Pope Francis’ casket. Later, as the popemobile transported him to his resting place, instead of bowing their heads, thousands upon thousands held up their phones to capture the passing casket. I saw only one man; he looked like a construction worker, making the sign of the cross. And another removed his hat. They were, in my mind, the only two people who understood the moment as their spiritual “papa” passed by on his way to where his soul was headed.
Quarterbacks hog spotlight in the CFL
BY BRUCE PENTON
Just like in the National Football League where quarterback is king, the men barking out signals behind centre are the stars in the Canadian Football League, too.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
It’s the CFL’s 67th season, but the Grey Cup game in Winnipeg Nov. 16 will be the 112th edition of the professional football championship of Canada. Prior to 1958, when the CFL was officially formed, there were two leagues in Canada, the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union in the east and the Western Interprovincial Football Union.
Star power thrives at the quarterback position, and even non-stars are given the chance to shine. Remember last fall’s Grey Cup game, where the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were heavy favourites to beat the Toronto Argonauts, especially because the Argos were playing backup QB Nick Arbuckle after No. 1 Chad Kelly, the league’s most outstanding player (MOP) in 2023, broke his leg in the Eastern final. Well, all Arbuckle did was throw for 252 yards and two touchdowns and the Argos scored 24 points in the fourth quarter en route to demolishing the Bombers 41-24.
So while Toronto is content to know that with Kelly and Arbuckle, they have probably the best 1-2 punch at quarterback, other field generals around the league are just as talented. Two-time MOP Zach Collaros is still in charge of the offence in Winnipeg, and Bo Levi Mitchell, the CFL’s MOP in 2016 and 2018 while in Calgary, will be counted on to steer the Tiger-Cats offence in Hamilton.
Perhaps the most intriguing quarterback situation
is found in B.C. and Calgary. While Vernon Adams was the starter for the Lions last year, he was demoted in mid-season when 2022 sensation Nathan Rourke returned to the Lions after a failed effort to crack a National Football League team. In the off-season, the Lions traded Adams to Calgary, who will replace Jake Maier as the Stampeders’ starter. Adams will obviously have motivation to shine when the Stamps and Lions meet in 2025.
Overall, the quarterback talent in the Western Division is stacked. Besides Collaros, Rourke and Adams, the West also features Saskatchewan’s Trevor Harris and Tre Ford of Edmonton. Harris played in only 12 games due to injury last year, but still managed to throw 20 touchdown passes. In Edmonton, Ford’s strong suit is his running speed. He averaged 9.0 yards per carry last year and Elks’ management has expectations of a 1,000-yard running season for him. He’s also not bad at throwing the ball, completing 72 per cent of his throws last year. In 2025, he’ll have former Lions’ offensive co-ordinator Jordan Maksymic as his coach. Ford will be backed up by Cody Fajardo, the former Roughrider and Alouette QB.
Despite the star power at QB, only three quarterbacks have ever been named Most Outstanding Player. Russ Jackson of Ottawa was honoured four times in the 1960s, Gerry Dattilio of Montreal was the winner in 1980, and Rourke got the MOP nod in 2022.
My prediction: A QB will win the award in 2025.
• Retired sports columnist Rick Reilly, in a blastfrom-the-past column after Tiger Woods obliterated the field with a 12-shot win in the 1997 Masters: “… Forty-seven-year-old Tom Kite … would
finish second in the same sense that Germany finished second in World War II.”
• Coaching wisdom from Alabama football legend Bear Bryant: “If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good, then you did it. That’s all it takes to get people to win football games for you.”
• Eamon Lynch of Golfweek.com., on the popularity level of certain LIV Tour golfers: “Take Patrick Reed. Every entertainment product could use a villain who needs a slab of bacon strapped to his face to get a dog to lick him.”
• Cathal Kelly of the Globe and Mail, describing the Florida Panthers style of play: “Florida Panthers’ ‘nice nose you got there, mind if I rip it off?’”
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.) with a business note: “With Bill Belichick headlining the program, North Carolina has sold all 20,000 of its season tickets at a 25-per-cent price hike, after failing to sell out last season.”
• Greg Cote of the Miami Herald, on four of the best Florida Panthers’ players: “Sasha Barkov and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky are quiet as church mice. Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand chirp like crows on a wire.”
• Another one from Cote: “(The Panthers) become only the fourth team since 1980 to reach the Stanley Cup Final a third season in a row -- a Cat trick.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com:: “Sacramento coach Mike Brown was fired just over six months into a three-year extension he signed with the Kings. Even in the NBA, they call that a fast break.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Rockies attempt to gin up the roster by designating Martini for assignment; he was reportedly shaken by the news.”
• The late Muhammad Ali, feeling confident about an upcoming fight: “I’ve seen George Foreman shadow boxing and the shadow won.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Doug
Can you identify any of these students who performed at a piano recital in the Eatonia United Church in May of 1998? Twenty junior students and four adult students presented their annual music recital, along with their teacher Lillian Copeland. Their names are Brett Bews, Brittany Douglas, Janay Lothammer, Valerie Butt, Kirsten Theaker, Jenna Lothammer, Jennifer Hyland, David Wagner, Jenelle Boychuk, Kristen Bews, Joanna Hayes, Amanda Becker, Miranda Klein, Melissa Hyland, Hanna Hoey, Shayla Theaker, Jaymes Lothammer, Robyn Quinney, Miranda Douglas, Kimberly Klein, Carol Dennison, Betty Meyer, Joyce Frank and Alice Hansen. PHOTO KINDERSLEY CLARION JUNE 1998
TO THE EDITOR:
Wall Street in Unity? Not anymore.
Dear Editor:
In the mid-1990s, a group of farmers and businesspeople came together with a vision - to build an inland grain terminal in Unity, Saskatchewan. Backed by hundreds of shareholders who believed in the project, they invested their money and their grain. Northwest Terminal (NWT) thrived for years, posting healthy profits and building a reputation for success.
In fact, in 2014 and 2015, NWT recorded profits of $6.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively, with zero bank debt. Back then, the mood was so euphoric that a member of the marketing team sent a story to the Unity Herald titled “Wall Street in Unity,” proudly showcasing the “brilliance” of NWT’s management. It aged well - if you consider losing millions, borrowing over $40 million, and gutting the company a masterclass in financial wizardry.
But that pride has now turned to disbelief.
In 2015, NWT posted a $2.5 million loss. No explanation. No mention of remedial action. By 2019, the losses had grown to $5.6 million. Still, the general manager remained in place, drawing an annual salary of over $400,000. Shareholders received no information from the board about what was going on. In 2022, another $1 million loss. Same manager. Same board.
Then in 2023, a staggering $10 million loss. The same manager remained in charge, with the same wages - and a new bank loan from BMO, reportedly north of $40 million. What did shareholders get from the board? This intelligent response: “We are facing major headwinds in the grain business.”
That was it.
Then, in 2024, shareholders weren’t even contacted
directly when the CEO/General Manager went on local radio to announce the shuttering of NWT’s grain division. The board backed him - and once again, kept shareholders in the dark.
Now, in 2025, we’ve hit a new low. The annual meeting, traditionally held in March, was postponed. We received notice only on May 28 that it will now occur on June 18 and still no financial statements have been provided.
But here’s what they do want us to vote on: $1.2 million in compensation for the CEO and CFO - in the event of a change in ownership.
Yes, you read that right.
After driving the company into the ground, the same executives who oversaw NWT’s collapse are now lining up for a golden parachute. To every shareholder: you have been ignored, misled, and insulted. To the board: you have failed in your duty to represent the people who built this company. To the public: this is what happens when accountability disappears and secrecy takes over.
Enough is enough.
If you are a shareholder, you need to be at the June 18 meeting. If you can’t attend, get your proxy in the hands of someone you trust. This is the moment to stand up and say no more backroom decisions, no more silence, and no more rewarding failure. Your voice, your vote, and your presence matter more than ever.
Sincerely, André L. Blais Founder & inaugural Board of Directors Class A and Class B Shareholder, Unity, Sask
SUNDAY FUN DAY! Even the wind couldn’t stop the fun at the Kindersley Centre parking lot on Sunday, June 1st. Flatlanders Speedway and Kinley’s Toy Drive combined forces for a family-filled event, showcasing some great looking vehicles and accepting donations of toys for the Jim Pattison Hospital. The RCMP cruiser got a new paint job and Bluey and his friend were also in attendance, much to the delight of the youngsters. More photos can be found on The Voice Facebook page. PHOTOS BY KATE WINQUIST
NOTICE OF ADVANCE POLL
TOWN OF EATONIA
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that provision has been made for an Advance Poll for the municipal by-election of : Councillor
Voting will take place on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Town of Eatonia Office at 202 Main Street Eatonia, Saskatchewan
Dated at Eatonia, Saskatchewan this 10th day of June, 2025.
Cheryl Bailey Returning Officer
VOTER IDENTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO VOTE
[Section 81 of the Act]
NOTICE
OF POLL TOWN
OF EATONIA
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that a Poll will be held for the municipal by-election for the following position: Councillor
Voting will take place on Wednesday, the 9th day of July, 2025 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following polling place: Town of Eatonia Office 202 Main Street Eatonia, Saskatchewan
The results of the election will be declared at the Town Office, 202 Main Street on the 10th day of July, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Dated at Eatonia, Saskatchewan this 10th day of June, 2025.
Cheryl Bailey Returning Officer
VOTER IDENTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO VOTE
Plenty student’s poem receives accolades
Ben MacDonald is a Grade 12 student at North West Central School in Plenty. He placed first in the Zone Level and second in the District Level for his poem “Echoes of the Maple Red” in the Legion’s Remembrance Day contest. Congratulations, Ben!
Ben MacDonald
ECHOES OF THE MAPLE RED
BY BEN MACDONALD
In quiet fields where wild winds sweep, The fallen lie in gentle sleep, A thousand miles from home they rest, Each soldier’s dream, a nation’s crest.
From Vimy’s heights to Holland’s shore, Their footsteps carved forevermore, Through muddy trenches, frozen air, They held our hopes and answered prayer.
Through storms of fire, in darkened skies, They fought beneath the watchful eyes Of comrades bound by oath and name, In shadowed ranks, through smoke and flame.
They left behind the life they’d known, The laughter shared, the seeds they’d sown, To guard a world they’d never seen, So others here might yet be free.
In lands where winter stars align, They bore the flag and crossed the line. Our guardians strong, both fierce and kind, Their courage etched in heart and mind.
Now poppies bloom where once they fell, Their silent stories rise and swell, In whispered leaves, in rivers wide, Their legacy, our nation’s pride.
And though their voices faded fast, Their spirit holds, their light will last. They speak in every sunrise bright, And call to us with morning’s light.
So let us stand, with hearts unbowed, To honor them in solemn crowd. For in each red-leafed autumn tree, Their spirit soars, forever free.
Kerrobert Growth Investment Cooperative holds information night at PCC
BY JOAN JANZEN
KERROBERT - The Kerrobert Growth Investment Cooperative held an information night at the PCC on Thursday, June 5th. Approximately 75 people attended.
Mayor Mike Mitchell said the group has come together during the past two years and has generated many good ideas on how to invest in their community. “We share the same vision and dedication,” Mayor Mitchell said.
Board members include Richard Anderson, Kimberly Burgardt, Trina Duhaime, Megan Heidt, Darryl Morris, Don Snell, Ryley Wack, Brandon Zerr and Sharleen Zerr. The members explained the group’s vision, mission and values.
Their vision is to bring commerce and community together to build a brighter future. Their stated mission is to enable local investment by bringing community members together. Their values are three-fold: community support, growth and sustainability. Their short-term goal is to bring one new business to town; however, they also have many long-term goals.
Their special guest, Paul Martin, radio host and business analyst who is known as “a voice for Saskatchewan business,” encouraged the group in their endeavours. “This is the only community in the province doing what you’re doing,” he said. “This community is standing up. I came for a reason, because I want to be a part of it.”
He proceeded to share stories
about his past experiences as he helped his listeners “understand what’s possible.” “There’s lots of opportunity if you get a little creative,” he advised.
A question-and-answer session followed, and information
pamphlets were available for all attendees, explaining how to become a member and an investor. The group is seeking investments to support both new and existing developments within their community.
Great Sandhills Museum offers a WWI flight experience
BY JOAN JANZEN
SCEPTRE - Great Sandhills Museum in Sceptre is offering its visitors a unique WWI flight experience, thanks to Ace Academy, a travelling exhibition. The flight experience, produced by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, can be enjoyed by children, youth, adults and school groups.
Marj Boylan, a museum Board member, said they discovered the exhibit a year ago when researching exhibits they could accommodate.
“Last year, we had 1600 visitors to the museum,”
she said. “It’s amazing where they come from.” The museum has had visitors from Germany, Norway and the Netherlands. Now, they have an added attraction to share with guests that’s included with admission to the museum.
A large simulation backdrop, an Xbox Kinect sensor, a monitor, and a computer are combined to produce an immersive environment where participants pilot a First World War biplane using motion-sensing technology. The players move their arms up and down and tilt their bodies to manoeuvre a plane onscreen as they dodge enemy aircraft and align themselves to fire.
The aircraft imagery allows players to fly a realistic Sopwith Ship Camel biplane in this educational game which also features additional WWI aircraft. Players are guided through levels explaining how these aircraft fly. It’s not only educational but very entertaining. Anyone who wants to take the game to another level can access the free App for the Ace Academy sequel: Black Flight.
If you would like to be immersed in the flight experience of a WWI pilot, Great Sandhills Museum can make it happen. The travelling exhibit will be at the museum for the next eight weeks.
by Cheryl Mullock
Guest speaker Paul Martin, known as “a voice for Saskatchewan business” addressed those in attendance at the Kerrobert Growth Investment Cooperative’s information night on June 5th. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
The 32nd Annual Kindersley Indoor Rodeo was held at the West Central Events Centre from May 29-31. There were plenty of thrills and spills from cowboys and cowgirls of all ages. For all of the results and current CCA Rodeo standings, check out the Canadian Cowboys Association website at http://www.canadiancowboys.ca
PHOTOS BY KATE WINQUIST
Inactive well cleanup results announced by minister
BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
REGINA – For the second straight year, the number of inactive oil wells in Saskatchewan has been reduced through the Inactive Liability Reduction Program (ILRP), which is administered by the Ministry of Energy and Resources. As of January 2025, there were 1,083 fewer inactive wells compared to when the ILRP was first launched in 2023, the ministry said in a May 29 press release.
“In addition to responsibly developing Saskatchewan’s natural resources, our ministry is the provincial oil and gas regulator, a role we take extremely seriously,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said. “The ILRP shows how we regulate the sector in a way that shields taxpayers from liability risks, protects the environment and facilitates growth. We are fortunate to have reliable oil producers in our province who ensure they are investing in responsible and sustainable resource development.”
The ILRP sets spending targets for oil producers to manage and decommission inactive facilities in a timely and responsible manner. In 2024, oil producers spent more than $228 million on these costs, nearly doubling the ministry target of $116 million.
“Saskatchewan’s oil and natural gas producers continuously strive to lower the environmental footprint of their operations and the ILRP enables industry to manage facilities through the final stage of the project lifecycle,” Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers President and CEO Lisa Baiton said. “Reducing the number of inactive wells and facilities in the province is an incredibly important responsibility for oil and gas producers, and their commitment to the program was demonstrated by the industry nearly doubling the ministry’s funding target. The success of the ILRP in its first two years is an example of how the best solutions come when industry and government work together.”
The Ministry of Energy and Resources has a suc-
cessful track record of developing and administering several different clean-up programs for the oil and gas sector. Since 2010, the Saskatchewan oil and gas orphan fund secures contractors using industry funding to properly decommission orphaned oil facilities. Additionally, the Accelerated Site Closure Program, which closed in 2023, allocated $400 million in federal funding to properly decommission 9,823 oil wells in the province, along with thousands of other related facilities and sites.
For more information about the Government of Saskatchewan’s liability management programs, please visit saskatchewan.ca.
Minister of Energy and Resources Colleen Young. PHOTO BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
!
recently.
no shortage of
Financial assistance increase for those affected by Wildfire State of Emergency
Due to the wildfires affecting communities across Saskatchewan, Minister Tim McLeod, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), has increased financial assistance for those registered with the SPSA, raising the amount provided to the head of household to $40 per day, up from $20, and the additional members of a household would increase to $20 per day, up from $10. Bringing the daily maximum of $200 per day.
As of yesterday (June 6), there were 24 active wildfires in Saskatchewan and 33 communities have evacuated. To date this year, there have been 251 wildfires, well above the five-year average of 141.
“While we are hoping to soon have some individuals and fami-
lies repatriated back to their communities, we know that some will have to continue to be evacuated as we deal with ensuring safe cleanup of these devasting wildfires,” Minister McLeod said. “Frontline crews and multiple agencies are working as quickly as possible to do so.”
The Government of Saskatchewan has provided $15 million to the Canadian Red Cross to help Saskatchewan residents who have been displaced from their homes, as wildfires continue to threaten communities across the province.
The Canadian Red Cross is working closely with Indigenous leadership and all levels of government to provide emergency accommodations, personal services and
critical information to people who have been forced from their homes.
The SPSA’s Emergency and Community Support (ECS) program is intended to meet the urgent, basic needs of Saskatchewan residents who have been displaced from their homes due to a disaster such as flooding or a forest fire, or any incident that forces people out of their homes.
The state of emergency is in effect until June 29, 2025, and can be extended, if necessary, to help address this unprecedented start of the fire season.
The SPSA has committed to providing daily updates on the current wildfire situation to ensure that Saskatchewan residents are provided with the most up to date information.
PLAY BALL
There is
baseball games at this time of the year. The Kindersley U18 Royals battled Outlook
Be sure to get out and support your local teams and don’t be shy to send us some photos!
Classifieds
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In the Estate of Michael Robert Meissner, late of Luseland, in the Province of Saskatchewan, Deceased.
ALL CLAIMS against the above Estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 30th day of June, 2025.
SHEPPARD & MILLAR
Solicitors for the Estate of Michael Robert Meissner
Barristers & Solicitors
113 - 1st Avenue East Box 1510, Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0
Attention:
MONTE J. SHEPPARD
AGRICULTURE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In the Estate of Lorne Gordon Ecker, late of Kindersley, in the Province of Saskatchewan, Deceased.
ALL CLAIMS against the above Estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 27th day of June, 2025.
SHEPPARD & MILLAR
Solicitors for the Estate of Lorne Gordon Ecker
Barristers & Solicitors 113 - 1st Avenue East Box 1510, Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0
Attention: MARK L MILLAR
FEED AND SEED
SIBBALD HOTEL
7 Rooms - Parking Lot Contact yiming6deer@yahoo.com or call 306-460-7856 for more information.
LAND FOR SALE
PROPERTY FOR SALE BY TENDER
In Ogema, SK Lot 18, Block 15, Plan BA1993 117 Frederick Street, Ogema, SK
Fraud via Facebook complaint
• Rosetown RCMP received an erratic driving complaint on Highway 7. Members were unable to locate the vehicle.
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORUNITIES
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
Motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, rock trucks, packers; wide range of machines.
Lots of work all season. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942. AGPRO SEEDS - BUYING HEATED CANOLA, FEED BARLEY & FEED GRAIN. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! For Bids Call/Text: 306-873-0481, Email: sales@agproseeds.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-4051228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca
HEALTH
Tender close June 27, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Highest, or any tender, will not necessarily be accepted. For More Information Contact Town of Ogema 204 Main Street Ogema, Sask Phone: (306) 459-9000 Email: admin@ogema.ca
Farmland Tender (closing June 27). ½ section of good quality farmland with 290 ac. cult. RM of Leask #464. Call Gerald Muller, C&C Realty, 306-570-7743.
MISCELLANEOUS
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.
PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 48 local
Please consider this your invitation to join us for our Annual General Meeting as we celebrate another year of service delivery, staffing achievements, partnerships, agency growth and gearing up for continued success. June 18, 2025 7:00 pm 105 Colton Drive Kindersley, SK For more information,
Annual General Meeting THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2025 11:00 AM 122 - 1st Avenue West Kindersley - Boardroom
community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306649.1405 or visit www.swna. com for details.
Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306649-1405 to find out how!
• Rosetown RCMP received a BOLO from Kindersley about an erratic driver on Highway 7 by McGee. Rosetown RCMP intercepted the vehicle and charged the driver with Refusal and Impaired Operation of a motor vehicle.
• Kyle RCMP responded to a call of disturbing the peace in Rosetown.
• Kyle RCMP received a complaint of a traffic collision on Highway 44, near Wiseton. There were no injuries reported.
• Rosetown RCMP attended an Uttering threats complaint in Rosetown. Investigation remains ongoing.
• Rosetown RCMP attended Kyle, SK in response to a harassing communications complaint. This complaint is still under investigation.
• Rosetown RCMP are investigating a fraud, via Facebook, complaint.
• Kyle RCMP received a complaint of a break and enter to a property in the RM of Mountain View, this file is still under investigation.
• Kyle RCMP received a complaint of a break and enter to a residence in Kyle. This investigation remains ongoing.
• Rosetown RCMP attended and dealt with a Mischief complaint in the RM of Marriott. No further action is required.
• Kyle RCMP responded to a call for a well being check in Lucky Lake, SK.
• Rosetown RCMP responded to a call for a well being check in Rosetown, SK.
• Kyle RCMP received an erratic driving complaint on Highway 7 near Fiske. Members were not in a position to intercept the vehicle.
• Rosetown RCMP responded to an Utter Threats against property complaint in the RM of Marriott. This investigation remains ongoing.
• Rosetown RCMP received a few complaints of a suspicious person walking on Highway 7 near Tessier. Members attended and no further action was required.
• Rosetown RCMP received a complaint of a potential gift card scam.
• Rosetown RCMP received a request for a well being check in Elrose, SK.
There were 65 Traffic related charges issued, 2 911 mis-dial calls and 1 false alarm calls. Police are asking anyone with information about these or any other crime(s) to please contact the Rosetown RCMP at 306882-5700, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at www.saskcrimestoppers.com 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com
WANTED
Macklin man facing serious charges
On May 26, 2025 at approximately 7:00 p.m., Unity RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a truck speeding in Macklin, SK.
As a result of investigation, an adult male was arrested at the scene for driving while suspended.
During subsequent investigation, officers located and seized multiple substances, including approximately 232 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 35 grams of suspected cocaine, and approximately five grams of suspected psilocybin inside the vehicle. The substances will be sent to Health Canada for further testing. Officers also located and seized ammunition and a magazine inside the vehicle.
At the time of the incident, the male was also on numerous firearms and ammunition prohibitions.
Resulting from continued investigation, 33-year-old Nicholas Desrochers from Macklin, SK is charged with:
• one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• one count, possession of ammunition while prohibited, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code; and
• one count, possession of a prohibited device, Section 91(2), Criminal Code.
Nicholas Desrochers was scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on June 6, 2025
REMEMBERING WHEN
Complaints of theft in Unity and Wilkie
Unity RCMP
• RCMP attended a single vehicle collision near Unity. The vehicle driver was transported to Unity Health Centre with minor injuries. This matter is still under investigation.
• Police received a report of a two-vehicle collision in Unity. There were no injuries and no charges were laid.
• Members are investigating a complaint of a vehicle hitting an individual riding a bicycle.
• RCMP received a complaint of theft. This matter is still under investigation.
• Members issued a 7-day roadside suspension after a traffic complaint.
• Police issued a 60-day roadside suspension during a traffic stop.
• RCMP received a report of a bear injured in a field. Members attended and euthanized the animal.
• Members received a request from Emergency Medical Services to assist with a patient.
• Police received a request from Unity Health Centre to assist with a patient.
• RCMP received a complaint of theft but there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• Members received a report of a vehicle collision with a deer. There were no injuries. Reported for insurance purposes.
• There were also four traffic complaints and one false 911 call.
Wilkie RCMP
• RCMP attended the sudden death of an 89-yearold female from Wilkie. The death was not suspicious in nature.
• Police received a complaint of disturbing the peace. This matter is still under investigation.
• Members received a complaint of theft but there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• RCMP received a complaint of a stolen truck but
The small town hardware store
BY KEITH SCHELL
Keith Schell
While society is more flexible nowadays, gender roles were much more rigid and distinct when I was growing up. Back then, men generally did “manly” things, and women generally did “womanly” things. That was simply the way it was, and one of the manly things men often did back in the day was fixing things around the house.
One day, the kitchen faucet in our house began to leak, and Dad tried to fix it. After searching through his toolbox, our junk drawer, and all the old tin cans on our basement shelves that held every nail, screw, clip, and little metal oddity known to man, he realized he didn’t have the right washer on hand to repair the faucet.
LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER
1/2 SECTION of Farmland For Tender SK007051
All offers are to be received on/before 2:00 p.m., June 23rd, 2025 and left open for acceptance until 5:00 p.m., June 25th, 2025. Not necessarily the highest or any tender will be accepted. Preferred possession date July 15th, 2025. Tenant in place for 2025. Annual surface lease revenue: $2600.00
NE 31-33-25-W3 EXT 0
Assessment
$260,200. 159.78 (ISC) title acres. 147 cult. acres (SAMA)
SE 31-33-25-W3 EXT 1
Assessment
$166,400. 103.19 (ISC) title acres. 98 cult. acres (SAMA)
SE 31-33-25-W3 EXT 2
Assessment $76,400. 51.32 (ISC) title acres. 45 cult. acres (SAMA) For more information, Contact Mary Kloster 306-372-7832 or Arlene Boisjoli 306-460-7785
So you know what that meant—a trip to our smalltown hardware store!
Before long, Dad would say to me, “Son, let’s go. We’re going into town.” And I would hop into the truck and accompany him on a manly pilgrimage to our little hardware store to find the perfect replacement washer for our kitchen faucet.
Back then, our little hardware store was located partway down Main Street, with a big yellow sign over the door. I believe it was originally part of a small regional Canadian hardware chain that has since grown to national prominence. We found a place to park the truck and went into the store.
As we entered the store, I remember hearing the familiar “ding-a-ling” of the little bell over the door, announcing our arrival into that most manly of hardware worlds. The faint smells of paints, thinners, epoxies, mothballs, and fibreglass insulation lingered in the air, declaring to the world that this was indeed the domain of men (perhaps not the healthiest of smells, but certainly the manliest!).
If you stepped in the right spots while walking through the narrow aisles, you would sometimes hear the squeak of the wooden floorboards under the weight of rows of tools, washers, boxes of nails and screws, assorted metal clips, and cans of paint on display throughout the store.
As Dad began searching through the shelves for the washer he needed, someone he knew who worked at the store would often come over, greet him by name, and ask what he was looking for.
When Dad explained what he needed, the store clerk would head straight to the specific drawer on the shelf in the back of the store where the washers were kept, match the washer perfectly, and the search was complete! After the clerk offered Dad instructions on how to install it properly, off we went to have the purchase rung up on the mechanical cash register at the front of the store.
When we took our purchase home, it always fit perfectly! This was back in the days when hardware store clerks truly knew their stuff. They could answer
there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• CN Police reported a damaged railway crossing arm. Reported for information purposes.
• Police received a Mental Health Act complaint. The subject of complaint was transported to Battleford Union Hospital for assessment.
• Members received a complaint of uttering threats but it was unfounded.
• There were also two traffic complaints.
Macklin RCMP
• RCMP received a report of a vehicle collision with a deer. There were no injuries. Reported for insurance purposes.
• Police spoke to an individual regarding a probation order.
• Members conducted a wellbeing check at the request of a family member.
• RCMP received a report of lost identification. It has not been located.
• Members conducted another wellbeing check at the request of a family member.
• There were also three traffic complaints and two false alarms.
Persons with information about crimes being committed in the Unity / Wilkie/ Macklin areas are urged to call the Unity RCMP detachment at (306)228-6300; the Wilkie RCMP at (306) 843-3480; or the Macklin RCMP at (306) 753-2171. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may also call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or *8477 on the SaskTel Mobility Network. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 for information which leads to the arrest of person(s) responsible for any serious crime. Crime Stoppers is anonymous and does not subscribe to call display, nor are your calls traced or recorded. You can also submit a tip online at www. saskcrimestoppers.com
questions with expertise, unlike today, where many big-box hardware stores tend to be understaffed with apprentice shelf-stockers who may currently lack appropriate hardware knowledge as they learn the business—assuming you can even find someone around the store to ask for help.
The level of knowledgeable service that clerk offered my father back then is hard to find in the average big-box hardware store nowadays. Should you experience someone that knowledgeable and helpful in your own hardware adventures today, treasure them and be sure to thank them for their assistance.
Nowadays, a trip to the crowded big-box hardware store has become a “get-in-and-get-out” experience for most people. It has lost the small-town social feel and familiarity of days gone by, when everybody knew you and you knew everybody, and I personally think we are lesser for that. But things change, and time marches on.
Today, the building that housed our little Main Street hardware store is no longer standing; it was destroyed in a major fire in 2011, caused by an electrical and natural gas accident.
The store had changed hands and retail themes many times over the years before the fire. Though too small to compete with the invasion of the big-box hardware stores with their low prices and vast selection, its strategic location on Main Street still attracted foot traffic from all over town. I believe the store had become a ‘Mom and Pop’ souvenir shop before it was finally lost to the ages in the great Main Street fire.
Although our little Main Street hardware store is now long gone, my childhood memories of fatherand-son time spent there on manly hardware quests will always make me smile.
So, to all the sons out there—and perhaps even a few daughters who went along for the ride—I hope you fondly remember the trips with your father to that one special place in your town that helped shape a boy into a man:
The “Mecca of Manliness”, the small-town hardware store.
“A Rainbow Makes a Promise”
By Marion Mutala
Published by Millennium Marketing REVIEW BY MICHELLE SHAW
Marion Mutala really is a creative dynamo. A Rainbow Makes a Promise is her twentieth book and once again she beautifully combines poetry and music into a kaleidoscope of creativity.
Saskatchewan author Mutala is perhaps best known for her national best-selling and award-winning children’s book series, Baba’s Babushka: Magical Ukrainian Adventures, which was recently collected in a beautiful 175-page illustrated limited edition hardcover. But she’s also written poetry (her second book of poetry, Race to Finish, was published in 2021), a cookbook (Baba Sophie’s Ukrainian Cookbook) and even a crime novel set in Saskatoon (The Mechanic’s Wife). In an interview a few years ago, she said, “it seems the more I write the more ideas flow.” And that really seems to be true.
riety of artwork styles throughout the book, including photos, watercolours, hand drawn illustrations and AI generated images.
The words of the book are simple but many of them resonated with me long after I closed the book, such as “I have never seen a war that helps the world to live” and “It is time to stand up to evil and never give up the fight” -- those pages are appropriately illustrated with superheroes!
At the back of the book there is a QR code which the reader can scan and listen to Mutala herself singing the words of the song. Sheet music is also provided so the book really can be an immersive experience as you play and sing along yourself.
If you’re only just discovering Marion Mutala’s work or you’re a long-time fan, I think you’re going to enjoy A Rainbow Makes a Promise.
A Rainbow Makes a Promise celebrates the rainbow as a symbol of peace, love, and hope. Each page explodes with colour. The pictures are big and bold, and each page is bordered by a beautiful, colourful geometric Ukrainian embroidery motif. Mutala uses a va-
Find out more about Marian Mutala’s work at www.babasbabushka.ca
This book is available at your local bookstore or from www.Skbooks.Com
Taste Luseland Museum’s ration cake baked in an
old cook stove
BY JOAN JANZEN
LUSELAND - The Luseland Museum will be doing some old-fashioned baking on Saturday afternoon, June 14th, and they’re extending an invitation to join them as they prepare and bake a Ration Cake. The museum’s theme for 2025 is “80 years since VE Day”; therefore, they will be baking as they did in the 1940s when rationing was a part of daily life.
Jean Halliday from the museum said they had been looking for activities that would highlight wartime on the prairies. At that time, rationing of food items caused enormous challenges.
“We will bake a cake from a wartime cookbook,” Jean explained. They’ll also make a second cake without milk, butter or eggs.
“We have an operational wood stove that we’ll use and do the baking in the oven on the street. Our only challenge is a windy day would cause uneven baking!” Jean said.
Beginning in May of 1942, sugar was rationed to half a pound per week per person. According to Jean’s research, during canning season people could receive an additional 25 pounds of sugar per year.
“It sounds like a lot in this day and age when we don’t even make cookies, but when they made everything and canned endlessly, it wasn’t much,” she added. During those years women had to be creative in their baking.
On June 14th, Luseland Museum invites visitors to help them do some wartime baking on a wood stove, much like women did in the 1940s when rationing was a part of daily life.
Museum members will be leading the baking event and are hoping to have many helping hands join in the preparations, baking and tasting afterwards. Visitors are also invited to check out the wartime displays at the museum.
The displays feature several local individuals who served in World War II. The “Wartime on the Prairies” displays show how the war impacted life on the prairies, from rationing of food and gasoline to letters from overseas and Victory Bonds.
NEW SKILLS! Kindersley’s
Saskatchewan unemployment rate remains lowest in the nation
Statistics Canada latest labour force numbers show that Saskatchewan has maintained a strong labour market and steady growth throughout the year. Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 4.2 per cent. This is well below the national average which has now increased to 7.0 per cent.
“There are more people working in Saskatchewan than ever before,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Career Training Jim Reiter said. “We are experiencing record job growth and our province continues to be an economic leader in Canada. Our government is working to ensure this growth continues and that our province remains attractive for businesses to invest while continuing to be the best place to live and work in Canada.”
The province led the nation in year-over-year job growth, adding 16,300 jobs year-over-year in May, ranking first among provinces in terms of percentage change at 2.7 per cent.
May 2025 saw all-time historical highs (aged 15 and over), with:
• Saskatchewan’s labour force reaching 653,900;
• Saskatchewan’s full-time employment reaching 518,800; and
• Saskatchewan’s women employment reaching 294,300.
Year-over-year, full-time employment increased by 15,300, an increase of 3.0 per cent. Employment for women is up 10,900 which is an increase of 3.8 per
cent, and employment for men is up 5,300 an increase of 1.6 per cent.
Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities also saw yearover-year growth. Compared to May 2024, Saskatoon’s employment was up 7,900, an increase of 4.1 per cent, and Regina’s employment was up 5,100, an increase of 3.5 per cent.
Major year-over-year gains were reported for health care and social assistance up 11,400, an increase of 12.4 per cent. Construction is up 7,000 an increase of 16.3 per cent and public administration is up 6,100 an increase of 16.8 per cent.
The province continues to see economic growth in other areas. Saskatchewan GDP reached 80.5 billion in 2024 and increase of 3.4 per cent from 2023. In March 2025, Saskatchewan also ranked highest amongst provinces for year-over-year growth in building construction investment (27.8 per cent) and second in retail trade value (8.2 per cent).
This economic growth is backed by the Government of Saskatchewan’s recently released Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: The Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, a roadmap to build the workforce needed to support Saskatchewan’s strong and growing economy, and Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy, a plan to increase investment in the province and to further advance Saskatchewan’s Growth plan goal of $16 billion in private capital investment annually.
LEARNING
young soccer players were learning new skills last week at Westberry Field. Thank you to the parent volunteers that have made this such a successful program! PHOTOS BY KATE WINQUIST
SASKATCHEWAN PERENNIAL SOCIETY
There’s nothing like vine-ripened watermelon and cantaloup from the garden
BY JACKIE BANTLE
Cantaloupe and watermelon are members of the Cucurbit family of plants. This family also includes pumpkins, cucumbers and winter squash however, of all of these vine crops, watermelon and cantaloup are the most challenging to grow during the relatively short growing season in Saskatchewan.
Cantaloup and watermelon require soil temperatures of at least 15°C for seed germination and optimal growth to occur. To get a head start on the season, it is best to start plants indoors and transplant outdoors once the outdoor soil and air temperatures are at least 20˚C. Cucurbits (ie. vine crops) do not like to have their roots disturbed: germinate seeds in Jiffy 7’s and transplant the Jiffy 7 directly into the soil – without disturbing the plant roots.
Cantaloup and watermelon transplants should only be 10-14 days old before planting out (cotyledons have emerged along with only one or two true leaves). Larger transplants will experience transplant shock when they are planted outdoors: plants will not grow for several weeks (or at all) depending on the level of transplant shock they experience. Be sure to harden off transplants at least 5 days prior to planting out. Start by setting the transplants outdoors in a protected, partially shaded location for several hours/day. Increase the length of time spent outdoors as the hardening-off period continues. When transplanting into the garden, avoid extremely hot or windy conditions. Instead of starting transplants, it is possible to direct seed cantaloup and watermelon directly into the garden however, when direct seeding, I recommend laying down clear or black plastic mulch along the soil at least one week prior to seeding. Lay the plastic mulch (approximately 1mil thickness) onto the garden soil and secure the edges of the plastic with soil, rocks or heavy boards. It is important that the plastic mulch is pulled tightly against the soil to discourage weed growth under the plastic and to effectively heat up the soil. Punch holes in the plastic (approximately 5cm in diameter) and bury seeds about 1cm deep in the holes. Lightly water in the seeds. Plastic mulch can also be used in conjunction with transplants: plant transplants in the holes rather than the seeds. When transplanting, cover the Jiffy 7 peat pellet completely with soil to prevent the pellet (and the transplant) from drying out.
All cucurbits benefit from clear perforated plastic tunnels or crop covers. Use crop covers with a weight of 0.5 oz/yd2 or that allow at least allow 85% light transmission. Be sure that the perforated plastic is supported by wire hoops as clear plastic directly on plant leaves will burn the leaves. Cover seeded rows or transplants with crop cover or plastic tunnels immediately after seeding or transplanting. Leave covers in place until flowers are formed on the plants or until the 3rd week in June, whichever is later. Remove
covers to allow pollinators to pollinate the flowers. After fruit has set, crop covers can be replaced, especially if outdoor temperatures are cool (mid-July). Protect the plants from frost by using crop covers or heavier frost blankets.
Watermelon and cantaloup plants have both male and female flowers on their vines. Male flowers are the first flowers to appear on the plant. It is normal to observe some of these initial male flowers falling off. Female flowers appear 7-10 days after the male flowers start to appear. The female flowers are identified by what looks like a small fruit where the stem meets the base of the flower.
Poor fruit set on plants can occur for several reasons: lack of female flowers on the plant and/or poor pollination by bees or insects. Poor pollination can be due to a lack of pollinators, extreme heat making pollen sterile or poor weather (cold, rainy, cloudy) that discourages bees and other insects from flying around to pollinate.
During the growing season, provide 2.5cm of water per week early in the season. By mid-July, provide 2.5cm of water, twice weekly. Apply soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer weekly prior to fruit set, and bi-weekly after fruit set. Apply fertilizer according to label directions.
Cantaloupe is ready to harvest when the fruit skin looks slightly orange in colour and the stem end of the fruit easily slips free from the vine. (full slip) Once harvested, the cantaloupe is best stored at cool room temp (10°C); 15°C if picked slightly immature. After the cantaloupe is cut, store cut in the fridge at 5°C.
Determining when a watermelon is mature can be challenging. Mature watermelon fruit will sound hollow when they are tapped with your fingers; the tendril closest to the stem end that attaches to the fruit will be dried up; the skin surface of the watermelon loses its shine and becomes dull, and the rind on a mature watermelon fruit will be difficult to puncture with a thumb nail. Watermelon fruit does NOT slip from the vine like cantaloupe.
Once harvested, watermelon can be stored at room temperature for several days. Long term storage of watermelon should be in the fridge at 5°C.
Not every cantaloup and watermelon cultivar are created equal. Look for varieties that will mature in 75 days or less. ‘Athena’, ‘Goddess’, ‘Tasty Bites’ and ‘Pixie’ cantaloup are recommended cantaloup cultivars to try. ‘Sugar Baby’ (red), ‘Favourite Ball’ (red seedless), ‘Sangria’ (red) and ‘Yellow Doll’ (juicy, sweet, yellow flesh) are all recommended as watermelon cultivars to try in Saskatchewan.
By growing the best cultivars recommended for our region along with some ‘tricks’ to enhance the growing conditions, almost any Saskatchewan gardener can experience the unmatched flavour of a vine ripened watermelon or cantaloup from their own garden. This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society
PHOTO CREDIT: JACKIE BANTLE
DOMINATE SPRING CLEANUP with the
BLOWER!
We try our best to keep events up-to-date, but if you see an error or have a cancellation, please let us know!
ALSASK
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
• Alsask Drop-Inn Club hosts its annual Pig Roast Supper featuring homemade fries, coleslaw & dessert; bar service; live music; and horseshoes, pool or cards. Doors open at noon to midnight with food service from 4 - 8 pm. Cost for this fundraiser is $25/person and $10 for children age 6-12. For info call Dave (306)463-0169 or visit the Facebook page. Great opportunity to spend time with Dad for Father’s Day weekend. Everyone welcome - join us at the Alsask Drop-Inn Centre, 206 Main Street.
DENZIL
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 21 & 22
• Denzil Community Days. Sports grounds gate and booth open at 11 AM each day. Bones Tournament (Saturday), Antique Tractor Pulls (both days at noon), Kids Pedal Tractor Races (Saturday). Parade on Sunday at 11:00 AM. Watch for more details.
EATONIA
- Every Thursday from 11:30 AM -1:30 PM come to the Eatonia Library for puzzles, visiting and grab your books for the week!
- Check out our TOPS Chapter … it’s free to try! Every Wednesday. Weigh in: 5:45 PM. Meeting: 6:00 PM at Corcoran Place. Contact Cora Knuttila 306-460-9047.
- Eatonia & District Recreation Soccer. Contact Charity for more info at eatoniarec@sasktel.net or call 306-460-7130.
ESTON
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 & SATURDAY, JUNE 14
• Eston’s Summer Bull Bash & Minor Sports Day. Stay tuned for details.
- Eston Wheatland Centre Chase the Ace - Draws every Wednesday at the Centre. Ticket sales 4-7 PM. Draw at 7:30 PM. See our Facebook page for details. Lic#LR240086 - Wheatland Centre Potluck Supper fourth Friday of each month 6:00 PM. $5.00. Bring your own utensils. Coffee & tea provided.
- Wheatland Centre Bingo - 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 PM. Regular Bingo plus Bonanza, 50/50 Draw. Must be 14 years of age. Call 306-962-7117 (ask for Linda) for more info.
- Drop-In Basketball Thursdays 7:30-9:30 PM at ECS Gym. Minimum 12 years of age. No charge. Contact Jesse to be added to a group text for the program 306-583-9087.
FLAXCOMBE
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
• Flaxcombe Community Club is having a paint the police cruiser and a community BBQ starting at noon.Garage sale tables for rent at the hall if interested.
HOOSIER
- Sunday Service Hoosier Community Church 10:30 am at the Community Hall. Contact Joel Hamm 306-460-7056 or Curtis Kornelson 306-460-7327.
KERROBERT
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
• High School Awards Assembly at 1:00 PM in the school gym. Formal attire.
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
• Credit Union Lunch BBQ at 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Accepting donations for the local Fire Department.
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
• Kerrobert Chamber is having a Cornhole Tournament starting at 4:00 PM in the Curling Rink parking lot. Must be at least 16 years of age to play. $50/team. To register call Staci at 306602-9097. BBQ supper available.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
• High School Graduation Day!
- MS Support Group at Kerrobert Health Centre Meeting Room every 3rd Saturday 2:00-4:00 PM. Contact Gail Wiebe for more information 306-834-7068.
KINDERSLEY
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, JUNE 12 & 13
• Kindersley & District Chamber of Commerce 36th Annual Trade Show & Exhibition at the West Central Events Centre. Thursday: 1:00-9:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
• The Radiant - Kindersley & District Arts Council fundraiser with Curtis Bearsman Norman Ritchie Community Centre. All ages. Cash bar. Doors open 7:30 PM. Adults $25; 18 & under $10. Tickets available at Lela’s Music, Garden Gallery, Harmonic Egg, Eventbrite or at the door while tickets last.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
• Clearview Community Church Fundraiser: Bake Sale and Multifamily Garage Sale 9:00 AM. We are offering tables to rent for $25 with rental fees and proceeds from the baking going back to the church. Contact Hannah 306-460-8989.
MONDAY, JUNE 16
• Kindersley Composite School Awards Day 2025 10:15 AM. Followed by annual school BBQ and the Grade 12’s vs the KCS Staff at Flanagan Field.
• All Wheels Skate Park AGM 6:30 PM at the Elks Hall. Bring your questions and ideas! Join the committee.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
• West Central Abilities Inc. Annual General Meeting 11:00 AM at Clearview Community Church.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
• Rotary Club of Kindersley presents Break Into Summer Beer & Brisket Pairing Elks Hall, Kindersley. Dinner 7:00 PM. Dance to follow 9:00 PM. Featuring recording artist Bonfire Moon. $65/person. Raising money to support Youth Leadership Camps & Scholarships. Tickets available at Tint Doctor, Garden Gallery, Double Barrel Vape or by e-transfer to rotary981.events@gmail.com
TUESDAY, JULY 1
• Take Home A Taste of South Africa (Grilled lamb meat and traditional sides) - Church Fundraiser 6:00-8:00 PM St. Olaf Church. $20/person. Call 306-901-7047 or 306-561-8685. Lamb sponsored by Kelly Dearborn.
FRIDAY, JULY 25 - SUNDAY, JULY 27
• Kindersley Claybusters Registered Trap Shoot at the Kindersley Wildlife Federation Shooting Range starting at 1:00 PM on Friday. For info please contact Dan Kachmarski at 306-463-7207.
- Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month 1:30 PM at 401 - 4th Ave West (New Life Church). Everyone welcome! For more info call Nancy at 306-463-4514.
- Monday Night Jam Sessions at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 to set-up, then the fun begins at 7-11 PM. Call Keith 306-460-8633.
- Interested in a support group for weight management? TOPS meetings; every Monday at 6:00 PM in the Kindersley Senior Centre OR contact Jill at 306-463-4210.
- Pickleball meets Monday & Wednesday evenings 7:009:00 PM at the outdoor courts (in the Curling Rink if inclement weather). Cost is $50 for the season or $5 drop in. Our club is a part of Pathway To Wellness. More info call Teresa Knight 306-460-7304.
- Fit Fighter Group Class. Helping individuals with Parkinson Disease, Fibromyalgia, MS, Arthritis and mobility issues. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 AM at Anytime Fitness. Call Karen 463-3607 for more info.
- 365 Kindersley Air Cadets meet Thursday evenings at the Kindersley Museum. No charge to be a member, youth ages 12-18, must be a Canadian resident. Contact Ian Kehrer via text at 306-460-0057 or Sheila Kehrer via text 306-6049044. Come Fly With Us!
• Every Saturday: Mom N Tots Morning 10:00 - 10:30 AM at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre. Registration required: Kindersleymusic@outlook.com
• Every Tuesday: Community Badminton 6:30 - 9:00 PM at Westberry School. Everybody welcome.
LEADER
- Cards & Coffee. Come out and play cards! Every Tuesday afternoon 2:00-4:00 PM at the Leader Friendship Centre. No cost.
MARENGO
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
• Westcliffe School’s annual Band Concert and Awards Night 7:00 PM.
NETHERHILL
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
• Country Dance at the Netherhill Hall 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM. $25 / ticket at the door. Cash only. Kids free. Cash bar. Lunch served. Everyone welcome. Entertainment by: Brian Swan & The Fox & The Hounds. Contact Lionel 306-463-8352 for more info.
PLENTY
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
• U15 Baseball vs Biggar 6:00 PM Diamond 1
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
PLENTY SPORTS DAY
• 4-H Pancake Breakfast 8:30-10:30 AM
• Slow Pitch Tournament, Home Run Derby, Bouncy Castles, Sand Pile, Beer Gardens • CROP pulled pork supper $15. • Minor Ball Games @ 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM on Diamond 1, 2 & 3
• Dance 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 • Local Author Event - Ashley McLean 7:00
